Tourist Information Sights, daytrips, events and more … unlimited friendliness
www.saarbruecken-tourismus.de Welcome in the Saarbrücken region
Tourist Information Office for the Saarbrücken Region Rathaus St. Johann (Town Hall) Main entrance
Tel.: +49 (0) 681 959092-00 or -02 Fax: +49 (0) 681 959092-01 E-mail: [email protected] www.saarbruecken-tourismus.de
Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 am–6 pm Sat. 10 am–4.30 pm
Tourist Information Office in Saarbrücken Castle
Tel.: +49 (0) 681 506-6006
Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 am–5 pm Sat.+Sun. 10 am–6 pm (summer) Sat.+Sun. 10 am–5 pm (winter)
Informations for handicapped people: www.saarbruecken.de/barrierefrei
2 Would you like to experience the sights and sounds of city life and explore beautiful landscapes? Why not come and visit the Saarbrücken region! Enjoy our cultural events and joie de vivre while getting to know Saarbrücken and its environs.
We look forward to your visit!
City Marketing Saarbrücken GmbH Bahnhofstr. 31 Diskontohochhaus 66111 Saarbrücken
Tel.: +49 (0) 681 938090 Fax: +49 (0) 681 9380938 E-mail: [email protected]
www.saarbruecken-tourismus.de
Service provider for:
3 Event 36 Highlights
Table of
The map of the Discovering—Sights 24 city centre shows all Saarbrücken— places of interest at a glance Capital of the Saarland ...... 6 Sights in Saarbrücken ...... 8 Sights in the Saarbrücken Region ...... 30
Experiencing—Culture Guided Tours ...... 20 Event Highlights ...... 36
Shopping Shopping in the City of Saarbrücken ...... 22
4 Shopping in 22 Saarbrücken City
40 Cycling
contents
Map of the city centre Leisure and sport of Saarbrücken ...... 24/25 On the Saar ...... 42 Swimming Pools & Spas...... 43 Culinary Star chefs in Saarbrücken ...... 26 Getting here and Service Traditional dishes Bus, Airport, Train, of the Saarland...... 27 Long-distance coaches ...... 44 Taxi Switchboards ...... 45 Nature Laundrettes ...... 45 Parks and Gardens Lost property ...... 45 in Saarbrücken ...... 28 Library Internet Hiking ...... 38 and reading café ...... 45 Cycling ...... 40 We are here for you Imprint ...... 46 Trier Rheinland-Pfalz Tourist Information ...... 46 Luxemburg
Saarland Kaiserslautern
Mosel Saar
Saarbrücken Frankreich Metz 5 DISCOVERING—SIGHTS
Ludwig’s Church
Saarbrücken—Capital of the Saarland
Saarbrücken offers everything you can expect from a regional capital: it is a modern economic centre, a conference, trade fair and university town, an important cultural axis and an attractive place of residence. What’s more: France is just round the corner.
Saarbrücken is a smallish city with approximately 180,000 inhabitants and hence a pleasant size. Pictur- esque rural attractions and places of historic interest offering the perfect destination for a hike or a day trip are in the close vicinity and even within the town itself. The cultural palette attracts visi- tors from far and wide. Staden
6 Saarbrücken—Capital of the Saarland Saarbrücken has experienced a diverse past in its over 1,000-year history. In 999 Emperor Otto III gave the royal seat “Sarabrucca” to the bishops of Metz as a gift. This is the first documented evidence of the town now known as Saarbrücken. The 18th century buildings designed by the architect Friedrich Joachim Stengel were erected during the hey- day of the Baroque period. His constructions moulded the face of the town and set the scene for its consequent architectural development.
The Saarland has frequently changed hands between France and Germany during the last 200 years. Since 1957 the region has been an integral part of the Federal Republic of Germany, but the common passion for all things French is unmistakable. A certain “savoir vivre”, a “live and let live” men- tality permeates the region’s atmosphere. This is reflected by the local hospitality and predilection for food and drink. The proximity to France can also be detected in the region’s cuisine: for many years renowned food critics have granted restaurants here distinguished awards.
St. Johanner Markt
7 SIGHTS IN SAARBRÜCKEN
1 Saarbrücken Castle
The existence of Saarbrücken was first documented in 999 under the name “Castellum Sarabrucca”. In the 17th century the castle was rebuilt in the style of the Renaissance, but later destroyed and now only the cellars of this construction remain. In the 18th century Prince Wilhelm Heinrich had his architect Stengel build a new Baroque palace on the same site. Since then the castle has suffered various bouts of destruction and was partially burnt down and reconstruct- ed before being thoroughly and magnificently renovated in 1989. The architect Gottfried Böhm designed a state-of-the- art central block of steel and glass. The castle is now both an administrative centre and a venue for cultural events.
Tourist Information Office Tel.: +49 (0) 681 506-6006 in Saarbrücken Castel www.saarbruecker-schloss.de Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 am–5 pm +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-01 Sat., Sun. 10 am–6 pm (summer) Sat., Sun. 10 am–7 pm (winter) Tip 2 Schlossplatz (Castle Square)—The Baroque Ensemble
The Baroque ensemble enclosing the Castle Square also bears Stengel’s trademark. He was instructed to surround the castle with buildings which were similar to it in style. Thus the prince had the so-called Erbprinzen- palais (Hereditary Prince’s Palace) built for his son. The Kreisständehaus houses the Museum of Prehistory and Early History and the Old Collection. A recently built glass annex connects it to the museum in the Schloss- kirche. Well worth seeing is the staircase with its intricately decorated ban- isters. In the segment gable of the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) the con- struction date MDCCL (1750) has been recorded along with a depiction of the Saarbrücken coat of arms. A Baroque onion dome crowns the clock tower. It was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in 1947; today it houses the headquarters of Saarbrücken’s adult education centre.
8 Sights in Saarbrücken 2 The invisible memorial square
It was devised by Jochen Gerz and students from the local Art Academy in 1993 as an expression of tolerance and a warning against racism: 2,146 flagstones on the way to the castle were dug up and the names of Jewish cemeteries engraved on the back of them before they were replaced.
+49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-02
3 Underground castle fortifications and casemates
You can tour the excavated underground fortifications and casemates discovered 14 metres below the Schlossplatz. Let multimedia technology guide you through history, space and time with sound and lighting breathing life into the distant past. The tour starts in the Saarland Regional History Museum (Historisches Museum Saar).
Let your mobile phone be your tour guide +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2 + __ (Order of the Points of Interest) Simply enter +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2 + __ and the relevant code num- ber to receive information about your chosen place of interest. You only pay the connection charge from your mobile phone to the German land line. There will be no additional charge.
+49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2 + __ Order of the Points of Interest
00 History of Saarbrücken 06 Ludwig’s Church (2 min 57) (3 min 26) 10 Old Bridge and Saar Crane 01 Saarbrücken Castle and (2 min 41) Casemate (3 min 19) 12 St. Johanner Market Square 02 The castle square and its (2 min 16) baroque ensemble (2 min 08) 13 Fröschengasse (2 min 03) 03 Historical Museum Mile at 14 Basilica St. Johann (2 min 49) Schlossplatz (2 min 39) 15 Town Hall St. Johann (2 min 36) 04 View from the castle wall 21 Collegiate Church St. Arnual (3 min 09) (2 min 44)
App now available!
Get the latest information on hotels, plac- es of interest, museums, city walking tours or hiking trails and lots more while you are out and about… The Saarbrücken App is now available free of charge in the iTunes Store. www.saarbruecken.de/app
9 3 Saarland Museum
Museum of Prehistory and Early History This collection of archaeological items from the beginning of the Stone Age up to the early medieval era is accompanied by lively and informa- tive texts, models and drawings.
Old Collection The Old Collection focuses on the landscape and still-life painting of the 16th and 17th century. Portraits of the princes of Nassau-Saarbrücken and representatives of the steel industry in the Saarland are also on display. The collection also places considerable emphasis on artefacts such as coins, miniatures, silver and porcelain objects and furniture.
Museum in the Castle Church The diverse history of the Castle Church, the meaning of liturgy and faith in everyday life from the 13th to 19th century, as well as the develop- ment and purpose of sacral art.
Old Collection, Museum of Prehistory and Early History, Schlossplatz 16 66119 Saarbrücken Museum in the Castle Church Am Schlossberg 6 66119 Saarbrücken www.saarlandmuseum.de
For all museums: Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9964-234 Admission: 5 €/3 € Opening hours: Free admission for children Tue.–Sun. 10 am–6 pm Free admission for all on Wed. 10 am–8 pm Tuesdays from 3 pm Mo. closed Castle Church: free admission
10 Sights in Saarbrücken Tip
3 Museum of Regional History
An exciting journey through the history of the Saarland from the Middle Ages to the eventful 20th century. The permanent exhibition focuses on two periods:
The recent history of the Saar from 1870 This new permanent exhibition deals with the turbulent recent history of the Saar border region from the Franco-German War of 1870/71 to the end of the 20th century.
The underground castle fortifications and casemates You can tour the excavated underground fortifications and casemates discovered 14 metres below the Schlossplatz. Let multimedia technology guide you through history, space and time with sound and lighting breathing life into the distant past.
The Saarland Regional History Museum is a wonderful opportunity to experience 500 years of history right before your very eyes. Behold the remains of the mediaeval castle, a 15th century shooting range, fortifications and casemates from the Renaissance, a 17th century Ballhaus (hall for ball games) built in the castle moat and a dungeon from the 18th century: and all of that underground, below the streets of this modern city.
Schlossplatz 15 66119 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 506-4506 www.historisches-museum.org Opening hours: Tue.–Sun. 10 am–6 pm Wed. 10 am–8 pm Mo. closed Admission: 6 €/3 €/2 € Free admission for children
Guided tours in English on demand
11 4 Castle Wall The castle wall, which was moved back 16 metres when the urban motorway was built, provides a beautiful panoramic view of the town. The stone head of the “miserly baker” of St. Johann grimly observes passers-by from the wall next to the stairs leading up to the castle. For several centuries it served as a gargoyle at the Old Bridge.
+49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-04
The Story of the Miserly Baker It is said that the miserly baker refused to help the poor in times of need, insulted them and encour- aged young women to offer him their bodies in exchange for bread. When the margravine heard this rumour she dressed up as a beggar to put him to the test. Naturally he fell for her disguise and was put in the stocks as punishment, dying several days later. An effigy of his head was carved of stone and placed on the Old Bridge to serve as a sewage gargoyle and a warning to others.
5 Schlosskirche (Castle Church)
The steeple of the late Gothic Schlosskirche (Castle Church) dating from the 15th century was given a Baroque crest by Stengel in 1743. After being destroyed in WWII it was restored in the 50’s and endowed with elaborate stained-glass windows designed by Georg Meistermann. The sarcophagi of the last princes of Saarbrücken are to be found in the choir. Opening hours: see on page 10.
+49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-03
12 Sights in Saarbrücken Tip
6 7 Ludwigskirche (Ludwig’s Church) and Place The Ludwigskirche, focal point of a “place royal” architecture, is the indefatigable architect Stengel’s masterpiece. It is considered to be one of the most stylistically and aesthetically perfect Protestant Baroque churches in Germany, comparable to the Michel in Hamburg or the Frauenkirche in Dresden. Together with the Ludwigsplatz square, the surrounding palace and civil servants’ houses, it is part of a unique Baroque ensemble, which was completed in 1775. After being completely destroyed during WWII, the church and palace were meticulously and authentically restored. Looking down Wilhelm-Heinrich-Straße, you have a direct view of the opposite bank of the Saar, a further example of the visual axes typical to Stengel’s architecture.
Am Ludwigsplatz 11 Opening hours: 66117 Saarbrücken Tue.–Sat.. 11 am–5 pm Tel.: +49 (0) 681 52524 (if no wedding) www.ludwigskirche.de Sun. on demand Service: Sun. 11 am +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-06
8 Friedenskirche (Peace Church) This church was built by Stengel in 1743 and was a gift from Wilhelm Heinrich to his mother and the reformed community. In the past this tran- sept church served temporarily as a secondary school . Today it is used by the Old Catholics and the Greek and Russian Orthodox communities.
Löwengasse Tel.: +49 (0) 681 399017 66117 Saarbrücken or +49 (0) 163 2586298 Opening hours: Sun. 12 am–4 pm
10 Saarkran (Saar Crane) The Saarkran (Saar Crane) flanking the Wilhelm-Heinrich-Brücke (Wilhelm Heinrich Bridge) bears witness to Saarbrücken’s flourishing trade history. In 1761 it was first constructed by the Krahnen-Gesell- schaft according to plans drawn-up by Stengel. The arm with the keg and bird has to be restored and was removed in the interests of safety.
13 7 Rabbiner-Rülf-Platz memorial site In November 2013, a memorial site for the Jewish men, women and chil- dren from the Saarland who were murdered during National Socialism was unveiled on Rabbiner-Rülf-Platz and the upper steps leading down to the river Saar. The memorial sculpture “The Interrupted Forest” is made up of 40 bronze tree trunks and was created by the sculptor Prof. Ariel Auslender in cooperation with Fabian Luttropp. The tree trunks represent a “forest of remembrance” which stands in contrast to the “natural forest” of delicate Japanese pagoda trees planted on the site.
11 Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) The Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) was erected in the name of Karl V in 1546 and is one of the town’s old- est constructions; it connects Alt-Saarbrücken and St. Johann. Originally it consisted of 13 arches, but now only 8 remain. It was destroyed during WWII and subse- quently rebuilt before being short- ened in the early 1960’s to make room for the urban motorway which passes through central Saarbrücken running parallel to the river. Right next to the bridge is the mooring of the Saarbrücken passenger boats, which offer round trips along the Saar in the summer. See page 42.
1 Theatre and “Art Mile” The Neo-Classical State Theatre was opened in 1938 with a perfor- mance of “The Flying Dutchman”. At the time it was the most modern theatre in Europe, but had to be reconstructed after considerable damage during WWII. In 1988/89 the 875-seat auditorium was com- pletely renovated and enlarged.
Tbilisser Platz Advance booking: 66111 Saarbrücken Am Schillerplatz 2 Evening Box Office: Mon.–Fri. 10 am–6 pm Tel.: +49 (0) 681 3092286 Tel.: +49 (0) 681 3092486 www.theater-saarbruecken.de
14 Sights in Saarbrücken 5 Modern Gallery The Moderne Galerie is one of the leading museums in south-west Ger- many and houses an outstanding international collection of 20th century painting, sculpture and graphics. Its rooms are bright and defined and express an affinity with nature, one of the primary concerns of both Impressionist and Expressionist artists. The museum was recently extend- ed and now provides an ideal stage for international contemporary art. The Modern Gallery also boasts a spacious sculpture garden on the banks of the river Saar that invites visitors to take a stroll, relax and look at art.
Bismarckstraße 11–15 66111 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9964-234 Opening hours: Tue.–Sun. 10 am–6 pm Wed. 10 am–8 pm Admission: 5 €/3 € Free admission for children and Free admission for all on Tuesdays from 3 pm www.saarlandmuseum.de
5 Künstlerhaus Meeting place for the region’s artists, authors and culture enthusiasts with exhibitions and numerous events.
Opening hours: Karlstraße 1 Tue.–Sun. 10 am–6 pm 66111 Saarbrücken Admission: free Tel.: +49 (0) 681 372485 www.kuenstlerhaus-saar.de
4 Stadtgalerie The Stadtgalerie Saarbrücken is an outstanding gallery for contem- porary art with a reputation that extends beyond the region. The “Permanent Laboratory” has a strong and unique commitment to installation and experimental art with local relevance. Eckhard,Frauke 2009 St. Johanner Markt 24 Opening hours: 66111 Saarbrücken Tue.–Fri. 12 noon–7 pm Tel.: +49 (0) 681 905-1839 Sat., Son. and holiday 11 am–7 pm www.stadtgalerie-saarbruecken.de
15 12 St. Johanner Markt Tip (St. Johanner Market Square)
The St. Johanner Markt with its boutiques, bars, bistros and res- taurants is the essence of Saar- brücken life. It is an ideal place to meet people or saunter through the picturesque alleys scattered around the market square. Since 1978 the old part of town has been a pedestrian precinct. There is a direct view of the castle from the Baroque fountain (designed by Stengel in 1759), and in the past there was also one of the Baroque church Lud- wigskirche, from where you could see right up to the castle again—the so-called Stengel triangle. +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-12
13 Fröschengasse The former craftsmen’s and work- ers’ houses in the Fröschengasse were once partly built onto the old town wall. Since 1978 the street has been rebuilt primarily in the Baroque style. Restaurants with idyllic courtyards invite you to lin- ger. High water levels are recorded on the wall at the end of the street (Saarstraße) to remind passers-by of the proximity and perils of the river.
+49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-13
13 The Story of the “Stiefel” (Boot) In 1702, Johann Daniel Bruch, the son of an established family, found- ed a brewery. At the same time, the shoemaker Nickel Kiefer opened the inn “Zum Stiefel” in the adjoin- ing building. Daniel Bruch fell in love with the beautiful daughter of the shoemaker—this was the beginning of the BRUCH brewing dynasty and the Stiefel restaurant. Nine generations of the Bruch family have continued to brew beer and serve food within these historic walls.
16 Sights in Saarbrücken 14 Basilika St. Johann The Basilica St. Johann was erected by Stengel between 1754 and 1758. It has been painstakingly renovated and is now a perfect example of 18th century Baroque beauty: the pope even granted the church the title “Basilica Minor”. Not to be missed are the bronze portal and the entrance area. The church organ is particularly striking. It consists of three individual parts, the main organ and the two choir organs. They can by played individually or together. The St. Johann Basilica organ is hence composed of 60 sounding stops and a total of 4,312 pipes. This remark- able and multifaceted instrument is exceptional in both its construction and its tone spectrum and is renowned far beyond Saarbrücken and the Saarland.
Opening hours: Services: Mon., Fri., Sat. 9.30 am–7.15 pm Every day 6.30 pm except Mon., Tue., Thu., Sun. 8.30 am–7.15 pm Sun. 10 am, 11.30 am, 6.30 pm, Wed. 8.30 am–5 pm Wen. 12 noon Tel.: +49 (0) 681 32964 +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-14
15 Rathaus St. Johann (Town Hall) Georg J. von Hauberisser, the archi- tect who designed the town halls in Munich and Wiesbaden, was also responsible for the construction of Saarbrücken’s Neo-Gothic town hall, which was erected between 1897 and 1900. It is dominated by the 54 m tower, from which the carillon sounds daily at 3.15 pm and 7.19 pm. The authentically preserved façade is decorated with sand- stone statues representing the trades of bygone times. There is a miner, a smelter, a farmer, a brewer, a merchant, and a tanner. The significance of the figures of St. George and the dragon is unclear, but they probably repre- sent the battle between good and evil.
Tourist Office Tel.: +49 (0) 681 959092-00 or -02 Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 am–6 pm +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-15 Sat. 10 am–4.30 pm
16 Johanneskirche (St. John’s Church) The Neo-Gothic Johanneskirche (erected between 1894 and 1898) has recently become a meeting point for demonstrations and peace services. Concerts, performances and discussions are regularly held here as part of the project “City Kirche” (City Church).
Opening hours: Service: Tue.–Sun. 3 pm–6 pm Sun. 11 am www.j-kirche.de
17 19 Bergwerksdirektion (Mining Headquarters)
The administration building of the “Saarbergwerke” (Saar Mining Com- pany), formerly the “Royal Prussian Mining Headquarters”, was con- structed in 1880 by the renowned architects Martin Gropius and Heino Schmieden in the style of the Florentine Renaissance. The historical building has been integrated into the EUROPA-Galerie shopping centre with the listed interiors and facade preserved. Original features such as the cast iron staircase, the period tiled floor, the ball- room and the precious leaded stained-glass windows can be admired during your shopping experience.
6 Cultural Centre at the EuroBahnhof (KuBa) The KuBa in the new quarter at the EuroBahnhof is a place of interdisci- plinary artistic exchange. The cultural centre provides a number of atel- iers for artists and creative minds, a programme of contemporary art and culture as well as workshops for children and adolescents.
Quartier Eurobahnhof www.kuba-sb.de Europaallee 25 Opening hours: Tue.–Fri. 66113 Saarbrücken 10 am–4.30 pm or Tel.: +49 (0) 681 959 12-00 or -02 by appointment
18 Sights in Saarbrücken 21 Staden Tip If you are in the mood for a pleasant stroll, it is worth following the Saar in the direction of the Staden, one of the most attractive residential areas of Saarbrücken. The stately villas with park-like gardens which can be admired here date back to the years of rapid industrial expansion in Ger- many (from 1871). The Saar prome- nade, seamed by green lawns and punctuated with beer gardens and playgrounds, invites the visitor to relax on long summer days, watching roller skaters, joggers and cyclists on the path along the river.
21 Thermal Power Station Römerbrücke
The 160-metre high chimney of the thermal power station Römerbrücke can be seen from a considerable distance. The construction has received numerous architectural awards and in 1992 Saarbrücken and the Stadtwerke (local energy and water suppliers) were awarded the UN environment prize for their exemplary and innovative energy policy.
22 Die Stiftskirche St. Arnual
“The urban village” St. Arnual is one Tip of the oldest parts of Saarbrücken and a 30-minute walk from the city centre. Houses dating back to the late medieval ages which have retained their authentic charm to this day are clustered around the idyllic market square. The 13th centu- ry Gothic collegiate church is amongst the most significant histori- cal monuments in southwest Germa- ny. Up to the 15th century the princes and earls of Nassau- Saarbrücken were buried here and their sepul- chres can still be admired today.
St. Arnualer Markt 4 Directions: 126 bus from 66119 Saarbrücken Wilhelm Heinrich Bridge Opening hours: daily: 9 am–5 pm Bus stop: St. Arnual Market Guided tours: on request Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9850505 +49 (0) 89 210 833 333 2-21 Price: 25 € per group Service: Sun. 10 am
19 GUIDED TOURS
Tip Guided Tours
The best way to discover Saarbrücken is on foot because most of the his- toric buildings are grouped together. During this guided tour, you will get to know the Baroque Saarbrücken and a modern and vibrant state capital.
Appointments: Leaving from: Friday 4 pm and Saturday 2.30 pm Tourist Information Office/ Guided tour in german Rathaus St. Johann (Town Hall)/ Duration: 2 hours Main entrance Price: 7 €/5 €
Audio Tour
Discover Saarbrücken at your own pace with an audio- guide as your guide. You can pause wherever you like or replay any part of the commentary that you find particu- larly interesting. 12 audio commentaries guide you along the tour route while the included city map provides you with an overview. Languages: German, English, French
Discovering Saarbrücken in a rickshaw
Whether you’re looking for a classic guided city tour, or a romantic trip along the Saar or through the Franco-German Gardens, hire a rickshaw to get to the sites and attractions of Saarbrücken on paths that cannot be used by buses or taxis. The rickshaw driver will also tell you about Saar- brücken’s hot spots and the best shopping and nightlife venues.
Velotaxi Saarbrücken Duration: 30/60/90 minutes Manuel Hüther Price: 15 €/25 €/40 € per Tel.: +49 (0) 176 63066101 rickshaw (max. 2 adults + 1 child www.saarbruecken.velotaxi.de up to 7 years) Departure times: By arrangement Departure point: By arrangement
20 Guided Tours Urban ArtWalk
After moving from the street to the gal- lery in recent years, graffiti is returning to its original location: streets and building facades are being transformed into an open-air museum. On the Urban ArtWalk through Saarbrücken City, you will experience 15 large-scale murals created by internationally renowned artists. A street map with details about the ArtWalk is available at: www.artwalk.saarland
Guided tours in German Guided Tours in English on Appointments: April–Oct. demand 2. and 4. Saturday per month 3 pm [email protected] Duration: 2 hours The ArtWalk app can be downloa- Tickets: Tourist Information ded from the Google Play store Office/Townhall and iOS App Store at ARCS Audio Price: 9 € ArtWalk Saarbrücken.
Culinary City Walking Tour
Take three different restaurants, a selected menu from the Saarland’s progressive cuisine, add an entertaining tour guide and mix well with the town’s sights: our culinary round-trip of Saarbrücken is ready to be served.
Duration: 4 hours Information and reservation: Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9380917 Price: 48 € per person For groups all year on request Includes: —Guided tour in English —Aperitif and starter —Main course —Dessert and coffee
Private tours of Saarbrücken
You can book an experienced guide for a time that suits your group.
Ludwig’s Church Guided tours for up to 30 persons per group Guided tours: on request Duration: 2 hours Price: 95 € per group in English Information and reservation: Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9380917 www.die-region-saarbruecken.de E-mail: [email protected]
21 SHOPPING
Shopping in the City of Saarbrücken
18 Bahnhofstraße The covered walkways in the cheerfully lively Bahnhofstraße make sure that shopping is fun even on rainy days. Department stores and well- known shops offer almost boundless shopping possibilities. In the side- streets you will also find specialist shops offering a broad selection of goods, where friendly shop assistants will be pleased to offer you advice. Some shops are open until 8 pm—even on Saturdays.
12 St. Johanner Markt The longest shopping mile in the Saarland takes you to the St. Johanner market square with its surrounding side alleys and inner courtyards. Here you’ll discover many small shops, galleries, exclusive boutiques and lots and lots of shoes! A stroll across the St. Johanner market square is a must if you really want to get to know Saarbrücken. Friendly cafés, quaint pubs, restaurants with a touch of French flair and terrific shops make it a perfect experience.
22 Shopping The Kaiserviertel quarter The pedestrian zone has been extended to include Futterstraße and Sulzbachstraße. This quarter is home to a large number of specialist shops offering high-quality products and services. Fashion, everyday necessities and restaurants—visitors will find all of this here and can also enjoy the weekly “Futtermarkt” market that takes place on Thurs- days. Worth mentioning: the Futterstraße is the first “Fair trade street” in Germany.
19 EUROPA-Galerie Shopping Centre The former Saargalerie and the old Mining Head Office (Bergwerksdi- rektion) directly in front of the main train station have been converted into the new EUROPA-Galerie shopping centre. By connecting the two buildings, the architects have created space for 110 new fashion and lifestyle retail outlets.
Nauwieser Viertel Individuals with a passion for all things second hand or looking for that special gift must should visit the “Viertel”. The “Chinesenviertel” (Chi- nese quarter), as the area surrounding Nauwieser Platz is known in Saarbrücken, is without question the most colourful neighbourhood in the city. Here, you will find organic products and food, clothes and sec- ond hand stuff, scene pubs and cafés, art and antiques as well as vege- tables from all over the world.
Mainzer Straße Quarter Mainzer Straße has developed into something of an insider tip in recent years. The area offers an interesting mix of businesses: hip hairstylists, antiques, second hand shops and Asian food. The buildings of this his- toric quarter date back to the second half of the 19th century and there is a lot to discover at the heart of this quarter and its community.
Tip More information: www.einkaufen.saarbruecken.de
23 Eurobahnho Europaallee 1 Saarbrücken Castle (page 8) P16 2 Castle Square (page 8) 4 View from the Castle wall (page 12) 5 Castle Church (page 12) 6 Ludwig’s Church (page 11) 7 Ludwig’s Place (page 13) 8 Peace Church (page 13) HAUPTBAH 10 Saar Crane (page 13) SAARBRÜC St. Johanner S Bahnhofsvorplatz 11 Old Bridge (page 14) traße TriererstraßeP8 12 St. Johanner Market Square (page 16, 22) 13 Fröschengasse (page 16) Saarbahn Europa-Galerie 14 Basilika St. Johann (page 17) 15 Town Hall St. Johann (page 17) Hafenstraße 16 St. John’s Church (page 17) 19 18 ner Bahnhofstraße (page 22) Reichsstraße 19 EUROPA-Galerie (page 18,ange 23)
sp 20 Bürgerpark (page 29) estestspange 21 Staden (pageP23P23 19) W P11 22 Stiftskirche St. Arnual (page 19) Faktoreistraße BürgerparkBürgerpark Hafeninsel 23 Franco-German Gardens (pageP12P12 29) 20
1 Congresshalle Saarland State Theatre (page 14) iktoriastraße V 2 Modern Gallery (page 15) Kreuzfahrtschiffe 3 Historical Museum Mile on Schlossplatz:SAARSA Luisenbrücke Old Collection, Museum of Prehistory an Early History, Museum in the Castle Church and Museum of Regional History (page 10, 11) Saaruferstraße 4 Stadtgalerie (page 15) 5 Künstlerhaus (page 15) P13 Gutenbergstraße 6 KuBa (page 18) 7 Rabbiner-Rülf-Platz memorial site (page 14) Hohenzollernstraße Stadtbahn (tram)
PedestrianDFGDFG zone
Roonstraße
GuidedHeudu ctourkstraße Stengelstraße Eisenbahnstraße Disabled toilet Elevator
Keplerstraße P22 6
7 Neumarkt Am Ludwigsplatz 8 Wilh.-Heinrich-S traße
Altneugasse Vorstadtstraße traße errens 23 schh Deut Nanteser Platz
S Triller m A
Trillerweg
e ß Schlo a
tr
s r
e e
z ß t
a e
r
t M
S
r
e
h
c
a
b
r o ALT-SAARBRÜCKEN F
S
24 Map of the city centre of
6
Fern- & Reisebus
HNHOF CKEN ST. JOHANN
P15 e
ß
a r t Ursulinenstraße s n P14 Mozart le h ü Dudweilerstraße R straße M i ch a r d- Beethovenstaße W ag ne Kaiserstraße straße r-S tra ße Sc hu ma nnstra P7 ße Karcher-
Bahnhofstraße
P5 PassagestraßeP6 Beethoven- platz Blumenstraße
Sulzbachstraße Försterstraße . str er 18 iff h c S B er lin e r P 16 Futterstraße Cecilienstraße ro Nauwieserstraße m Johannisstraße e n a d Bahnhofstraße Dudweilerstraße e g Tourist te Am S Information Office in the Town Hall Rathausplatz e Max s Na s ssa Ophüls a 15 uer Straße Seilerstraße rg Platz fe U
.
Betzenstraße Rotenbergstraße 7 P2 Alte Wilhelm-Heinrich- Feuerwache Brücke Großherzog-Friedrich-SLandwehr-
A Gerberstraße platz m P3 Kaltenbachstr
S e t ß Kath.-Kirch-Str a a 14 r 10 d t t s g r n 13 . a e traße b t 12 s e r n ü F St. Johanner Markt N e 4 ug äs s Kronenstr. Bleichstraße c hen SaarstraßeEv.-Kirch-Str. Türkenstraße
Alte Brücke Mainzer Straße g er Tiblisser b SchillerplatzFaßstraße ss 11 Platz lo Rosenstraße h 1 c 5 S 5 3 4 Karlstraße 2 P4 Bismarckstraße 2 oßplatz 1
F r 21 an z- SAAR Jo Tourist se Talstraße f- Information Office Rö de in Saarbrücken r- Bismarckbrücke Sra Castle ße e Landtag ß a tr s rg be P21 er er 22 ich Sp ST. ARNUAL
25 CULINARY
“Food first!” For us good food and drink are the spice of life and a feast for the senses. It is not without reason that the saarland’s cuisine luxuriates beneath a shower of stars.
Saarbrücken is proud to have one of the best addresses for fine dining in Germany.
Klaus Erfort: 3-star chef with a passion for cooking Saarbrücken can boast of one of the most outstanding gourmet restaurants in Germany. “Gäste- haus Erfort” is located in a magnif- icent old villa and has developed into a recognized gourmet temple that has guests from as far afield as Paris and Luxembourg singing its praises.
Gästehaus Klaus Erfort Mainzer Straße 95 66121 Saarbrücken Tel: +49 (0) 681 9582682 www.gaestehaus-erfort.de
Light and delicious cuisine for gourmets The Saarland also offers a number of regional culinary delights with a French influence for customers who enjoy simple and good food. There is a varied gastronomical scene with various international and small exotic restaurants. This is why Saarbrücken—with regard to culi- nary experiences also—is always worth visiting.
26 Culinary Traditional dishes of the Saarland
The cuisine of the Saarland is very hearty and mainly revolves around the potato. “Dibbelabbes”, “Hoorische” and “Lyoner” are some of the specialities that you will find on many menus. Here is a brief guide for your next restaurant visit:
Dibbelabbes: Potato hash prepared from raw grated potato and fried with bacon and leeks; usually served with apple sauce or salad.
Gefillde: Potato dumplings filled with minced meat and/or liver sau- sage. The dumplings are usually served with a creamy bacon sauce and sauerkraut.
Hoorische: Long dumplings made from raw potato, usually served as a side dish.
Geheiratete or Verheiratete: Dumplings made of flour served with potatoes. The dumplings and boiled potatoes are mixed with fried bacon or onions and are usually served with apple sauce or salad.
Lyoner: A ring of sausage that can be prepared in several different ways: grilled, fried in a specially developed “Lyoner pan”, added to a hearty potato soup, diced and fried in the pan etc.
27 PARKS AND GARDENS IN SAARBRÜCKEN
Tip Zoological Gardens Tipp
The Saarbrücken Zoo was founded in 1932 and is beautifully situated in a former sandstone quarry with an imposing tree population. This is an ideal place to gather energy for everyday life. Come for a visit, relax and enjoy the many attractive animals that have found a wonderful home here. 1,000 animals of 160 species await you!
Opening hours: Daily Graf-Stauffenberg-Straße 1st Mars–31 October: 66121 Saarbrücken 8.30 am–6 pm Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9053600 (entrance until 5 pm) www.zoo.saarbruecken.de 1st November–29 February: Bus stop: Am Zoo 9 am–5 pm Admission: (entrance until 4 pm) 9.90 €/5 € Seal feedings: children until 5 years free 10 am and 3.30 pm (except Mon.+Thu.)
Wildpark Saarbrücken
The park is home to about 150 European wild and domestic animals. The wildlife park can be explored on circular trails and a geology trail that start at the children’s playground beside the pavilion. Suitable animal feed can be purchased from the vending machine.
Meerwiesertalweg Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9052316 66123 Saarbrücken Directions: 101 bus, 109 bus from www.saarbruecken.de townhall, 102 bus, 124 bus from Opening hours: daily central station Admission: free Bus stop: Landessportschule
28 Parks and Gardens in Saarbrücken 23 Franco-German Gardens
This circa 50-hectare park provides an ideal opportunity for the whole family to relax and enjoy themselves. A round-trip on the narrow-gauge railway or a cable car trip allows the visitor to get an overall impression of the individual themed gardens, while a large network of pathways around the Deutschmühlenweiher lake provides an ideal opportunity to take a stroll. There is also a wide selection of cafés and restaurants offering everything from snacks, through coffee and cake, to small meals and three-course dinners.
Im Deutschmühlental www.saarbruecken.de/dfg Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9052159 Directions: 123 bus from Opening hours: daily central station, 106/107 at Admission: free, additional fees Rabbiner-Rülf-Platz apply for special events Bus stop: DFG Süd
Castle Garden
The imposing castle gardens were originally laid out in the Baroque style between 1760 and 1765; their terraces used to stretch right down to the Saar. At the end of the 19th century they were partly used for building purposes. Today a smaller yet lively garden with a lovely view of the town still remains.
20 Bürgerpark
The Bürgerpark is to be found on the site of the former coal harbour. It is decorated with relicts from the coal and iron industry which have been cleverly combined with contemporary elements. Remnants of train tracks and the ruins of former buildings stand side-by-side with a chestnut grove surrounding an amphitheatre, an “antique” water gate or a large circular flowerbed amidst hedged walkways and shrub clusters as well as count- less tree-lined walks. And all this is only a few minutes from the city centre.
29 SIGHTS IN THE SAARBRÜCKEN REGION
Tip
World Cultural Heritage— Site Völklinger Hütte (Old Ironworks)
The ironworks in Völklingen were closed down in 1986 and elevated to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994; they are the world’s only authenti- cally preserved ironworks dating back to the heyday of the iron and steel industry. Six imposing furnaces and the unique sloping lift pierce the skyline. In the 6,000-square-metre blower shed, where gigantic machines which were once used to produce the wind necessary for raw iron production still stand, events and exhibitions spanning a variety of themes are held throughout the year.
World Cultural Heritage Guest’s service Rathausstr. 75–79 66333 Völklingen Tel.: +49 (0) 6898 9100-100 www.voelklinger-huette.org Opening hours: all year daily from 10 am–6 pm (summer month until 7 pm), 24., 25., 31 Dec. closed Admission: 17 €/15 €, children free Guided tours: 110 per group and 15 € entrance per person, all year on request Directions: Rail or 110 bus Bus stop: Völklingen
UNESCO-The Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve
The UNESCO biosphere reserve is located along the borders to France and the Rhineland-Palatinate. The gentle hills of this landscape are characterised by expansive orchards, precious beech forests, and a meadow landscape that is traversed by the river Blies, which gives the reserve its name.
30 Sights in the Saarbrücken Region Wintringer Hof
Seen from Saarbrücken, the Win- tringer Hof organic farm is the gate- way to the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve. Part of the organisation Lebenshilfe Obere Saar e. V., it is farmed by 90 people with and without disability. The organic products produced there in accordance with Bio- land standards are sold fresh from the fields in the shop on the farm. The shop offers everything that is required for a healthy whole-food diet. The Wintringer chapel is built on the historical part of the farm and is one of the few surviving testimonies of the late Middle Ages in the Saarland.
Am Wintringer Hof 7 Farm shop opening hours: 66271 Kleinblittersdorf Mon–Fri 3–7 pm/Sat 9 am–4 pm Tel.: +49 (0) 6805 902412 Directions: Saarbahn S1 to Klein- www.lebenshilfe-obere-saar.org blittersdorf then R 14 bus Bus stop: Wintringer Hof
Gut Hartungshof—Manufactories
The Hartungshof estate near the Bliesgau oil mill now houses a number of different manufacturers offering high-quality regional products. One of the specialities on offer are country baskets with regional products.
66271 Bliesransbach Opening hours Tel.: +49 (0) 6805 22624 and for the manufactories: +49 (0) 6805 6007063 Tue–Thu 10–12 am and 3–5 pm, www.gut-hartungshof.de Sat 10–12 am and by arrangement
Saarland Therme (thermal baths)
The wellness and health resort is located only 15 km from Saarbrücken in the wonderful Biosphere Reserve. The 4,000-square meter complex is built in the style of moorish-andalusian architecture and is an ideal location for relaxing. The outdoor pool of the Therme provides a splendid view of unspoiled nature.
Zum Bergwald 1 Admission: 66271 Kleinblittersdorf 2 or 4 hours* 17.50 €/22.50 € Tel.: +49 (0) 6805 60000-0 Day ticket* 27.50 € www.saarland-therme.de *Sat./Sun./Holiday +2.50 € Opening hours: Directions: daily 9 am–12 midnight Bus R14 from Kleinblittersdorf Fri.+Sat. 1 am Bus stop: Hanweiler Therme
31 OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Baumwipfelpfad Saarschleife (treetop walk above the Saar Loop)
Above the trees, the 1,250-m treetop walk winds itself through the forest until it reaches a 42-m high viewing tower. Visitors have a unique pano- ramic view of the Saar Loop and the surrounding landscape.
Cloef-Atrium, Admission: 10 €/9 €/8 € 66693 Mettlach/Orscholz Directions: Take a train from the Tel.: +49 (0) 6865 18 64 81 0 central train station in Saarbrück- www.baumwipfelpfad-saarschleife.de en to Mettlach, continue by bus Opening hours: daily* Bus stop: Reha clinic, Orscholz Nov–March 9.30 am–4 pm *except 19.11.–1.12. and 24.12. April and Oct 9.30 am–6 pm May–Sept. 9.30 am–7 pm
Saarschleife Tip From Saarbrücken it is only 70 kilometres to the most well-known vantage point and picture-postcard image of the Saarland. A small walk leads you to the Cloef—and the horseshoe bend in the Saar called the Saarschleife lies at your feet.
Discover Villeroy & Boch Inside the splendid baroque Old Abbey, headquarters of the lifestyle specialists Villeroy & Boch, 258 years of company history are brought to life. The Discovery Centre with its spectacular “Keravision” and table- ware exhibitions, the jubilee film presented by the late Sir Peter Ustinov and the ceramics museum guarantee that your visit will be a memorable one. New: the museum café in the style of the Dresden milk store—1892.
Alte Abtei Saaruferstraße, 66693 Mettlach Tel.: +49 (0) 6864 811020 www.villeroy-boch.com Opening hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 am–6 pm Sat.+Sun. 9.30 am–6 pm Admission: 3.50 €/2 € Directions: Rail to Mettlach
32 Other places of interest Roman Villa at Borg The Roman villa in Perl-Borg shows vividly how people lived in the Saar- LorLux region 2000 years ago. The reconstructed “villa rustica” gives you an insight into the lifestyle of the privileged in society at that time. The fine residence also houses a collection of archaeological treasures.
66706 Perl-Borg Admission: 5 €/4 € Im Meeswald 1 Children under 6 free, Family 10 € Tel.: +49 (0) 6865 91170 Directions: Rail to Merzig, www.villa-borg.de then 210 bus Opening hours: Bus stop: Perl-Borg Apr.–Oct.: Tue.–Sun. 10 am–6 pm Nov./Feb./Mar.: Tue.–Sun. 11 am–4 pm; Dec.+Jan. closed
European Culture Park Bliesbruck-Reinheim This is the only excavation site in Europe which spans more than one country and a prime example of Franco-German co-operation. The visitor is able to observe the individual steps of archaeological research at close quarters.
Robert-Schuman-Str. 2 Admission: 5 €/3.50 € 66453 Gersheim-Reinheim Children under 16 free Tel.: +49 (0) 6843 900211 Directions: Saarbahn S1 www.europaeischer-kulturpark.de to Kleinblittersdorf, Opening hours: then 501 bus 15 March–31 Oct.: Bus stop: Kulturpark daily 10 am–6 pm
Leisure centre Bostalsee The largest lake in the Saarland offers a lot of space to those who like to spend their leisure time near, in or on water. The two large sandy beaches are perfect for bathing or building sand castles. Leisure at its best: boating, surf- ing, sailing, playing, beach-volleyball, an indoor hall for children, fish- ing, hiking and cycling. The adjoining 5-star camping site offers excel- lent comfort in a natural environment.
Tourist Office How to get there: Travel by train Am Seehafen 1 from Saarbrücken main train sta- 66625 Nohfelden-Bosen tion to Türkismühle, then by R11 Tel.: +49 (0) 6852 9010 0 bus (‘Seefahrer line’) to Selbach. www.bostalsee.de Bus stop: Bosen Strandbad 33 Sarreguemines (F)
The charming town of Sarreguemines in the French Lorraine region is easily accessible from Saarbrücken by tram or boat. The six stages of the Sarreguemines ceramic trail lead you through what was formerly one of the most important locations for producing ceramics. Alternatively, explore the present day town centre on a historic tour as well as the new ceramic garden.
Office de Tourisme (Tourist Office) 11, rue du Maire Massing Tel.: +33(0)3 87 98 80 81 www.sarreguemines-tourisme.com Directions: S1 to Sarreguemines
Luxembourg (L)
Less than 100 km from Saarbrücken lies Luxembourg, “European” capital and international finance metropolis. Numerous sights make this town a worthwhile destination: the former bastions of the fortress city, the Grand Duke’s palace, the cathedral, mansions built by aristocrats and patricians and European institutions.
Luxembourg City Tourist Office Daily bus connections 30, Place Guillaume II to Luxembourg central train station L-1648 Luxembourg from Saarbrücken central train Tel.: +352 222809 station Price: 16 €/9 € Tickets: Tourist Information/ Rathaus St. Johann (Town Hall) and in the bus Tel.: +49 (0) 681 959092-00 or -02 Metz (F)
Visitors to this beautiful historic town cannot resist the temptation to explore the medieval buildings, former fortifications, like the Porte des Allemands, palaces and monumental squares as well as the German quarter. The trademark of Metz is St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its extra- ordinary stained glass windows and the Centre Pompidou Museum.
Office de Tourisme Metz 2, Cathédrale Place d’Armes 57007 Metz Cedex 1 Tel.: +33(0)3 87 39 00 00 [email protected]
The Saar-Lorraine Ticket—from Saarbrücken to Metz return
34 Other places of interest Trier (Treves)
With over 2,000 years of history behind it, Trier is Germany’s oldest town and attracts visitors from all over the world. Visit the imperial baths, the amphitheatre, the basilica and as an undeniable highpoint the Porta Nigra—the best preserved town gate dating back to antiquity.quity. Good train connections from Saarbrücken.
Tourist Information Trier An der Porta Nigra 54290 Trier Tel.: +49 (0) 651 97808-0 www.trier-info.de Directions: Rail to Trier
Cross-Border Cultural Experience Four Towns—Three Countries—One Bed
Saarbrücken, Metz, Luxembourg, Tip Trier (Treves): experience culture, savour culinary delights, discover similarities and differences.
“So close, so different” is the slogan of the QuattroPole cross- border city network that includes Luxembourg, Metz, Saarbrücken and Trier. With Saarbrücken as your base, you can discover and enjoy the cultural diversity of the whole region.
Includes: – 3 nights + breakfast in a hotel in Saarbrücken – 3 course meal typical of the Saarland region – Guided tour of Saarbrücken, Luxembourg, Metz – Tour of Trier on the sightseeing train “Römer-Express” – Information pack on Trier, Metz, Saarbrücken and Luxembourg
*Price per Person in a double room from: 139 € *Price per Person in a single room from: 196 €
Arrival: Fridays Available from April to October * Transfer to and from the cities not included.
Info and booking: +49 (0) 681 9380915 www.die-region-saarbruecken.de
35 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis/January For years the festival has been an important forum for the discovery of young talents in the German-speaking film world. www.max-ophuels-preis.de
Festival Perspectives/May This is the only contemporary French theatre festival in Germany and is action-packed with drama, dance and music on Saarbrücken’s stages and streets. www.festival-perspectives.de
Sonntags ans Schloss/June–August (Sundays at the Castle) A series of open-air concerts at Saarbrücken Castle with international bands, “Culture for Kids”, folk, rock and chansons. www.regionalverband-saarbruecken.de
Altstadtfest Saarbrücken/June (Festival in the old part of central Saarbrücken) Local and international artists provide a multi-coloured repertoire of music, street theatre and creative workshops on numerous stages on and around the St. Johanner market square. www.saarbruecken.de
Sommermusik (Summer Music) in Saarbrücken/July–September These high-quality free music events celebrate art in a festival atmos- phere. The concerts (many of them outdoors) take place all over Saar- brücken. www.saarbruecken.de
Saar-Spektakel/ 1st weekend in August Sun, sand and…Saar. Every year over 300,000 visitors come to Saarbrücken and are fascinated by the biggest water and water sports happening. www.saar-spektakel.de
36 Event Highlights Rocco del Schlacko—Open Air Festival/August A unique intimate rock festival in Püttlingen. With many famous rock, pop and independent artists. A great treat for everybody who wants to enjoy the music festival atmosphere and likes to party. www.rocco-del-schlacko.de
Vélo Swing festival/August A meeting of bike oldtimers and retro-style bikes, bike collectors and vintage fans, experienced Lindy Hoppers and absolute beginners of swing. The big evening party is the highlight of the event. www.veloswingfestival.de
Fantasy and Medieval Days Saarbrücken/August During this 3-day event, merchants, craftspersons and reenactment groups present many aspects of medieval life. Enjoy jugglers, musicians and fire performers. www.mittelaltertage-sb.de
Saarbrücker Christmas Market/End of November–Christmas The Saarbrücken city centre is transformed into a Christmas landscape during Advent. The absolute highlight every evening is Father Christmas flying across St. Johanner market square and telling the story of Rudolph the Reindeer. www.christkindlmarkt-sb.de
Alt-Saarbrücker Christmas Market/ 1st Advent weekend Every year on the 1st Advent weekend about 200 miscellaneous stalls around Saarbrücken Castle get everyone in the Christmas spirit. www.saarbruecken.de
37 HIKING Premium hiking routes close to the city
Premium stands for the most pleasurable hiking experience: route diversity, unpaved tracks and excellent signposting. Six new circular routes in the Saarbrücken region have been awarded the German “certified premium route” hiking award, bringing the total number in the Saarland to more than 60.
More information: www.saarbruecken-tourismus.de
The Blies border trail
Distances: 15.6 km Directions: Saarbahn S1 to Start/Finish: Waldparkplatz Kleinblittersdorf, then 501 bus in Sitterswald (L 106) Bus stop: Nauwieserstraße
The Frohn forest trail
Distances: 10 km Directions: Saarbahn S1 to Start/Finish: Riegelsberg, Riegelsberg ending Waldstraße Bus stop: Riegelsberg Süd
The Warndt forest trail
Distances: 15 km Directions: Rail to Völklingen, Start/Finish: car park then 167 bus Jagdschloss Bus stop: Forsthaus Karlsbrunn
Ensheimer Brunnenweg
Distances: 10 km Directions: R 10 bus, Start/Finish: “Ensheimer from central station Gelösch” car park for hikers in Bus stop: Wogbachtal, Saarbrücken-Ensheim, Saarbrücken-Ensheim Flughafen at the end of Waldstraße
38 Hiking “Wilder Netzbachpfad” hiking trail
The northern part of the “primeval forest” is rich in flora and fauna. The hiking trail runs along small streams and forest lakes. This memorable landscape features mixed woodland, and marshland vegetation in the Netzbach valley.
Distance: 10 km Directions: Saarbahn S 1 Start/finish: Scheune Neuhaus, Bus stop: Heinrichshaus, follow located on the “Am Forsthaus” the signposts road
Primeval forest tour
The tour through the southern part of the forest runs along streams, small forest lakes and fallen trees; a natural adventure playground for children and adults.
Distance: 8 km Directions: Saarbahn S 1 Start/finish: Scheune Neuhaus, Bus stop: Heinrichshaus, follow located on the “Am Forsthaus” the signposts road
The “jungle at the gates of the town”
The “jungle at the gates of the town” is a unique attraction. Over 1,000 hectares of forestland have been allowed to go as wild as nature intend- ed them. A primeval forest, full of adventure with a fairy-tale quality. It is an extraordinary place where visitors and hikers can experience nature. In the centre you will find the Scheune Neuhaus barn, meeting place and venue for a variety of events concerning forests and nature.
Scheune Neuhaus— Tel.: +49 (0) 6806 102419 Forest Culture Centre www.saar-urwald.de 66115 Saarbrücken Directions: Saarbahn S1 Opening hours: only for events Bus stop: Heinrichshaus
39 CYCLING
Cycling is an important subject in the Saarland and the Saarbrücken region. The 350-km circular Saarland trail and the new cross-border Velo visavis circular trail with its loops cater for every type of cyclist. Below are four selected tours that are perfect for a one-day tour that starts in Saarbrücken.
Saar-Köllertal tour
All-day tour through the Köllertal Start/Finish: Völklingen, Wehrden valley that takes you across open Distance: 58 km elevated terrain with a beautiful Elevation gain: 190 m view of the town of Saarlouis, and Medium difficulty along the Saar back to Völklingen.
Warndt tour
Day tour through the Warndt: Start/Finish: Völklingen, Wehrden diverse scenic route with a Distance: 41 km sensational view of the giant Elevation gain: 270 m Freyming-Merlebach mine. Medium difficulty
Sarreguemines tour
Easy half-day tour with fantastic Start/Finish: Saarbrücken views of France. Experience the Distance: 47 km French charm of the small town of Elevation gain: 240 m Sarreguemines in Lorraine; return Medium difficulty along the banks of the Saar.
Saarbrücken Radler-Runde (Saarbrücken cycling tour)
Relaxed cycling tour along (beer shandy). Also suitable for the Saar; an easy half-day tour evening tours. through a green landscape to the Tabaksweiher pond taking in a Start/Finish: Hbf Saarbrücken number of parks. Beer gardens Distance: 13 km offer the opportunity to relax and Elevation gain: 45 m enjoy a refreshing “Radler” Rating easy
40 Cycling Rental stations for e-bikes e-motion by.schulz GmbH e-Bike Welt Saarbrücken bikes & ebikes Cubyke GmbH Vorstadtstr. 53 Mainzerstr. 183 66117 Saarbrücken 66121 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 9255252 Tel.: +49 (0) 681 38376457 www.bikes-ebikes.de www.emotion-technologies.de
Velo visavis—a Franco-German cycling route
A cycling experience without borders in the true sense of the word. The 260-km Velo visavis route covers the border region of the Saarland and Lorraine with relaxing stretches along the river valley as well as demanding climbs. During your tour, you will have many opportunities to take in the impressive sights, visit vibrant towns and enjoy culinary delights. The route is mostly traffic-free and very well signposted.
The cycling map and the Velo visavis—a Franco-German cycling tour flyer—are available free of charge from Tourist Information in Saarbrücken (in German and French only).
41 ON THE SAAR
Boat Trip
The Saarbrücker Personenschiffahrt offers roundtrips and various excursions to France.
Saarbrücker Personenschiffahrt, www.saarbruecker- Günter Emmer GmbH personenschiffahrt.de Berliner Promenade 21, Appointments: 66111 Saarbrücken April–September Tel.: +49 (0) 681 34084 Mooring: at the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) Boat Rental
Rental of motor boats and house boats. No boating licence required for motor boats with up to four persons. Max. speed: 10 km/h, minimum rental: two hours.
S.A.L.T. Yacht GmbH Tel.: +49 (0) 681 967070 Bismarckstr. 57 www.saltyacht.com 66121 Saarbrücken daily 9 am–10 pm
Barbecue fun on the Saar
Planning a company event, family outing or a day out with friends? Why not barbecue on a BBQ Donut boat while sailing along the Saar? A boating licence is not required (5-hp motor).
Kemmerevents KG Number of persons: Tel.: +49 (0) 152 34204542 4–50 www.saarspass.de Price: from 9.90 € per person Available: Departure: Between the April–Sept and Nov–Dec Staatstheater and the Duration: 1–2 hours Saarbrücken University of Music
42 On the Saar/Swimming Pools and Spas Osthafen (East Docks)
This is the Saar Motorboat Club’s jetty (Saar-km 90.13 rb). Floating jetty complex with guest moorings for boats of up to 15 metres length. Water and electricity connections available as well as a floating club house with on-board WC and showers.
Saarbrücker Osthafen Tel.: +49 (0) 681 3904344
SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS Saarbrücken
Please contact the individual Establishments for exact opening times.
Calypso Waterpark Dudweiler Lido Deutschmühlental 7 St. Ingberter-Str. 141141 66117 Saarbrücken 66125 Saarbrücken-Dudweilern-Dudweiler Tel.: +49 (0) 681 5881770 Tel.: +49 (0) 6897 97238372383 www.erlebnisbad-calypso.de Fechinger Lido Schwarzenberg Lido Indoor Swimming and LLidoido Am Schwarzenbergbad Provinzialstr. 186 66123 Saarbrücken 66130 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 389970 Tel.: +49 (0) 6893 3339
Dudobad Indoor Swimming Pool Alsbachbad Altenkessel St. Avolder-Str. Indoor Swimming Pool and LidoLido 66125 Saarbrücken-Dudweiler Am Schwimmbad 2 Tel.: +49 (0) 6897 762364 66126 Saarbrücken-Altenkesselel www.dudobad.de Tel.: +49 (0) 6898 984170
Saarland Therme see page 31
43 GETTING HERE AND SERVICE
Bus connections
Messe, Calypso, DFG ..... Bus 126 at Wilhelm-Heinrich-Brücke to Messegelände or DFG Nord DFG Süd, Ehrental ...... Bus 123 at central station or 106, 107 at Saarcenter to DFG Süd Saarlandhalle ...... Bus 105, 125 at central station to Sittersweg Stiftskirche ...... Bus 126 at Wilhelm-Heinrich-Brücke to St. Arnual Markt Saarterrassen ...... Bus 102, 108 at central station or 129 at Saarcenter to Westpark or Hochstr. Saarbasar/Zoo ...... Bus 105 at central station or 107 at Rathaus to Am Zoo Universität/ ...... Bus 101, 102, 109, 111 at Rathaus or 102, Sportschule/Wildpark ... 112, 124 at central station to Landes- sportschule or Universität Youth hostel ...... Bus 101, 150 at Rathaus, 112, 124 at central station to Prinzenweiher/DJH
Timetables, information and tickets for all public transport services in the Saarland can be obtained at: saarVV SaarBahn GmbH Information about timetable: Customer Services Office Tel.: +49 (0) 6898 5004000 (daily) Nassauerstr. 2–4 www.saarvv.de Timetable inquiries: Tel.: +49 (0) 681 5003-377 www.saarbahn.de Saarbrücken Airport
Saarbrücken-Ensheim airport is circa 15 km from the city centre. Transfer: from Saarbrücken central train station by bus (R 10), or go the whole way by taxi (about 30–35 €).
Flughafen Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 6893 83-272 Balthasar-Goldstein-Straße www.flughafen-saarbruecken.de 66131 Saarbrücken-Ensheim
Train
Deutsche Bahn www.bahn.de DB Regio AG, Region Südwest Inquiries: Am Hauptbahnhof 4 Regional connections 66111 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 3083484
Long-distance coaches
Bus station: Bus station for long-distance coaches (with destinations inside Germany and abroad) www.saarbruecken.de/reisebusse
44 Getting here and Service Taxi Switchboards in Saarbrücken
Saarbrücker Funk-Taxi-Zentrale Saarbrücker Ursulinenstr. 42 Taxigenossenschaft e. G. Tel.: +49 (0) 681 33033 Hafenstr. 6 Tel.: +49 (0) 681 55000 Laundrettes
Waschsalon Eisenbahnstr. 8 66117 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 54998 Waschsalon Trierer Straße 30 66111 Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 (0) 681 43776
Lost property
Office at the Ordnungsamt Tel.: +49 (0) 681 905 3503 Großherzog-Friedrich-Straße 111 66111 Saarbrücken
Library Internet and reading café
Browse the Internet for free using Saarbrücken City library your smartphone, tablet or note- Gustav-Regler-Platz 1 book. Simply ask for your access Tel.: +49 (0) 681 905 2200 code ticket at the information Tue.–Fr. 10 am–7 pm desk of the library. Using your tick- Sat. 10 am–2 pm et, you can stay online for up to two hours.
45 We are here for you
If you should have any questions regarding your stay, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our service at a glance: Advice in person and by telephone Hotel room reservation Cut-price hotel deals and all-inclusive offers Tour and round trip booking Tour guide services Organisation of group travel Advance booking of event tickets A wide selection of souvenirs
Tourist Information Office for the Saarbrücken Region Rathaus St. Johann (Town Hall)/Main entrance Tel.: +49 (0) 681 959092-00 or -02 Fax: +49 (0) 681 959092-01 Opening hours: www.saarbruecken-tourismus.de Mon.–Fri. 9 am–6 pm E-mail: [email protected] Sat. 10 am–4.30 pm
Imprint
Published by: City Marketing Saarbrücken GmbH Editorial staff/texts: Ursula von Steht, Andreas Berrang This guide has been put together with due care and attention using information provided by the individuals responsible on the ground. However, we cannot accept responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the information given. Translation: Bärbel Rischbieter, Carl Jordan Design: FBO GmbH • Marketing und Digitales Business Photographs: Bildarchiv Landeshauptstadt Saarbrücken, Bildarchiv Regionalverband Saarbrücken, Bildarchiv Tourismus Zentrale Saarland, Timo Rende, Tom Gundelwein, www.designladen.com, iStock, Fotostudio YAPH, Juicesaar Photography, agl Weltkulturerbe Völklinger Hütte – G. Kassner & Franz Mörscher, Peter Michael Lupp, Lukas Huneke, Villeroy & Boch, Stiftung Saarländischer Kulturbesitz – Felix Krebs, Manuela Meyer, Eike Bock, Saarland Therme GmbH & Co. KG, Manuela Meyer, MEV, Markus Kecker, Frauke Eckhard, Oliver Dietze, Römische Villa Borg, Sebastian Woithe, Milan Szypura, LPM Mechthild Schneider
Printed by: repa Druck, Zum Gerlen 6, 66131 Saarbrücken Edition: October 2018—subject to alterations www.fbo.de
46 Special services offered EVERYBODY WINS!
The Saarland Casinos are dedicated to a responsible conduct of the game as well as the players. A true benefi t for social service providers, athletic clubs, urban culture and the environment.
WWW.SAARLAND-SPIELBANKEN.DE above ground: enjoy the atmosphere
DER SCHLOSSPLATZ THE CASTLE SQUARE in the heart of Saarbrücken
underground: discover history
www.historisches-museum.org